1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1971 Vauxhall Firenza
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Vauxhall Firenza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Vauxhall Firenza would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fiesta (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1971 Vauxhall Firenza. (53 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1971 Vauxhall Firenza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Vauxhall Firenza weights approximately 90 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Because 1971 Vauxhall Firenza is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 Vauxhall Firenza. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1981 Ford Fiesta (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Vauxhall Firenza. (91 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Vauxhall Firenza.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1971 Vauxhall Firenza | |
| Make | Ford | Vauxhall |
| Model | Fiesta | Firenza |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2470 mm |
